[WPS] Women's Professional Soccer champion Sky Blue FC signed free agent Carli Lloyd for the 2010 season. The 2008 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year played in the inaugural WPS year at Chicago, where she had a rather quiet season.

The former Rutgers star earned her first two caps in 2005 and was the MVP at the 2007 Algarve Cup. She had the game-winning goal in the 2008 Olympic gold-medal game against Brazil. She had two goals and one assist in 16 games for the Red Stars, who failed to make the playoffs.

"Carli Lloyd is an exciting addition to our team," Pauliina Miettinen, who recently took over as Sky Blue FC coach. "Carli will be strengthening our midfield with her tremendous work ethic. She is a person willing to do extra on the field and stay after practice. That is the kind of person we want on this team. I am also excited for Carli because she is back playing in front of her friends and family."

Lloyd joins other New Jersey products, Yael Averbuch and Heather O'Reilly, at Sky Blue FC and on the U.S. national team.

"I have a lot of memories of playing in New Jersey, and it is great to be back home," Lloyd said. "I am very excited to be part of Sky Blue FC and to be playing with so many players that I already know so well from being teammates on the national team."